Newcastle yet to table a new offer to Rolando Aarons

Newcastle United are yet to reopen contract talks with Rolando Aarons – despite his rapid rise at St James’s Park.

The winger has broken into the first-team squad since turning professional 15 months ago.

This is a new season and I want a fresh start. Hopefully, this year I stay fit and show what I can do.

Aarons underlined his potential with two stunning goals – one an overhead kick – in last week’s friendly against Portland Timbers.

And the 19-year-old – who missed most of last season through injury – was offered a new deal early last season.

But that offer was rejected, and there have been no substantive talks since last October.

For his part, Aarons – reportedly on the transfer radar of Manchester City and Liverpool – is determined to kick on and put last season’s injuries behind him.

Recent speculation has not affected Aarons, who is focused on winning a place in Steve McClaren’s team for the new campaign.

“I don’t want to talk about last year,” said Aarons, who is likely to again be involved against York City at Bootham Crescent tonight (7.45pm kick-off).

“This is a new season and I want a fresh start. Hopefully, this year I stay fit and show what I can do.”

Aarons’ contract runs out at the end of the season, though the club has the option of another year.

As such, the club have not hurried into fresh discussions with Aarons and his representative.

While the focus over the past two months has been incoming signings, fans are also keen to see the England Under-20 international tied down to a new long-term contract that reflects his elevation to the first-team squad.

When Aarons signed his last deal, he was an unknown on the fringes of the senior group at United.

Up to now, United have seemed relaxed about Aarons’ contractual situation given that they have the option of another 12 months.

Managing director Lee Charnley’s priority is to drive through the rest of the club’s transfer business, but Aarons’ contractual situation will need addressing soon.

Aarons is regarded as one of the brightest attacking prospects in the Premier League.

Yet his deal only reflects his previous status, with Aarons having signed it as a member of the club’s development squad.